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Happy Hiking With Your Dog
Just like humans, dogs need to be acclimated to the task at hand. Your inactive couch puppy cannot be expected to bounce from the easy chair in the den to a complete 3-hour hike. You should also make sure you're physically able to restrain your dog if confronted with distractions on the trail (like a scampering squirrel or a pack of joggers). So, taking your dog on short walks, outfitted with the right dog pack is a good way to get ready for upcoming hikes. If you increase the length of the walk just a little each day, your dog will be ready for the trail in just a few days or weeks, and so will you! It's a good idea to have your dog checked by a veterinarian before significantly increasing your dog's activity level. What to Take With You These are the basics for taking your dog on a hike: Collar. It should not be so loose as to come off but you should be able to slide your flat hand under the collar Identification Tags Bandana. A brightly colored bandana can help distinguish your dog from game in hunting season Leash. Leather lasts forever but if there's water in your future, consider quick-drying nylon Water. Carry 8 ounces for every hour of hiking What About Dog Booties? Dog booties can be an asset, especially for the occasional dog hiker whose paw pads have not become toughened. Many trails contain rocky terrain. In some places, broken glass abounds. Hiking boots for dogs are designed to prevent pads from cracking while trotting across rough surfaces, but they can also protect tender pads from these hazards. If you're not sure what type of terrain to expect, then a pair of doggie booties should be a part of your hiking inventory. Used in winter, dog booties provide warmth and keep ice balls from forming between toe pads when hiking through snow. Take a Doggie First Aid Kit Even when taking short hikes it is a good idea to have some basics available for emergencies: 4" square gauze pads cling type bandaging tapes topical wound disinfectant cream tweezers petroleum jelly (to cover ticks) veterinarian's phone number If you plan ahead before you leave on vacation, both you and your dog will have a much happier, relaxing time when you hit the trails! Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com Marc Dean is a freelance writer who writes for Preferred Consumer. He has done significant research online on pets, houses, and apartments. |
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